More About IPPC

How Does IPPC Work?

The IPPC regime relies upon the implementation of BAT (Best Available Techniques) within industry. BAT is defined as:

"The most effective and advanced stage in the development of activities and their methods of operation which indicates the practicable suitability of particular techniques for providing the basis for emission limit values designed to prevent, and where that is not practicable, generally to reduce the emissions and the impact on the environment as a whole".

This means applicants and regulators have to assess not only what technology is used within their activities, but also how their systems and procedures impact on environmental protection. The intention is that a high level of environmental protection can be achieved if all these factors are taken into account. BAT takes into account the balance between the costs and environmental benefits (i.e. the greater the environmental damage that can be prevented, the greater the cost for the techniques).

IPPC also requires that the following general principles be adhered to:

All appropriate preventative measures are taken against pollution, in particular through application of BAT.
No significant pollution is caused.
Waste production is avoided and where waste is produced, it is recovered. Where that is not possible, it is disposed of in a way producing the least impact on the environment, if any impact of the environment is produced at all.
Energy is used efficiently.
Measures are taken to avoid accidents and limit their consequences.
Necessary measures are taken on the closure of an installation to avoid any pollution risk and return the site to a satisfactory condition.

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